If you have a sweet tooth that craves something both nostalgic and delightfully fresh, these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe will absolutely steal your heart. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie filled with a luscious brown sugar cinnamon center, then topped with a silky cinnamon glaze that adds just the perfect hint of sweetness. These cookies capture all the best flavors and comforting vibes of a classic pop tart, but with a homemade twist that’s so much better than anything store-bought. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon treat or a fun baking project to share, this recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves that warm, cinnamon-kissed goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal mixing bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a thick, beige dough mixture that has a slightly crumbly texture. Inside the bowl, a white spatula with a black handle is partially buried in the dough, resting towards the front edge of the bowl. The bowl has two small loop handles on opposite sides, and the dough clings to the sides of the bowl in irregular patches. The overall look is of dough being prepared for baking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. From the rich butter that creates tender cookies to the light brown sugar that brings in deep caramel notes, each component plays an essential role in the final taste, texture, and irresistible aroma.

Unsalted butter (1 cup for cookies, 5 Tbsp for filling, 3 Tbsp for glaze): Butter enriches every bite with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and adds to the golden color when baked.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Provides sweetness while helping to give cookies a slight crisp edge.
Light brown sugar (1 cup for cookies, 3/4 cup for filling): The real star for that signature caramel flavor and moisture.
Eggs (2, room temperature): Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cookie’s structure and softness.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds a warm, aromatic background that complements cinnamon beautifully.
Cake flour (3 3/4 cups for cookies, 2 Tbsp for filling): Its lower protein content ensures cookies turn out tender and delicate.
Cornstarch (2 Tbsp): Enhances the cookie’s softness and gives a slight chewiness typical of pop tart textures.
Baking soda (1 tsp) and baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): These leaveners create just the right lift without puffing the cookies too much.
Kosher salt (1 tsp): Balances out sweetness and highlights the rich flavors.
Cinnamon (1 tsp for filling, 1/2 tsp for glaze): Brings the warm spice that makes this recipe truly irresistible.
Powdered sugar (1 cup for glaze): Makes the perfect smooth, sweet finish.
Milk (2 1/2 Tbsp for glaze): Thins the glaze to just the right consistency for drizzling.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars

Start by adding the room temperature unsalted butter along with granulated and light brown sugars into your mixer bowl. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it creates air pockets, giving your cookies that tender, soft texture we’re after. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and eggs, continuing to beat until everything is fully integrated and super creamy.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Chill Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt until combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on medium speed for 1-2 minutes. Make sure to stop once or twice to scrape the bowl; you want an even dough formation. Once done, cover the dough tightly and pop it into the fridge to chill for one hour. This resting period helps the dough firm up for easier shaping and lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare the Brown Sugar Filling

While the dough chills, mix softened butter, packed brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour in a medium bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined, which will result in a thick, scoopable filling that’s the heart of the cookie’s gooey center.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies with Filling Inside

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup or a large cookie scoop, portion out chunks of the chilled dough. Split each chunk in half and create a small well in one half. Place a heaping teaspoon of the cinnamon brown sugar filling in the well, then press the other half of dough on top. Pinch the edges together tightly to seal the filling inside, then roll gently into a ball to smooth out the seams. Place the shaped cookies about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets to allow room for spreading.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake your cookies for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the tops are just set and the edges begin to turn a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, which helps prevent breaking when transferring. After that, move them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

Step 6: Whisk and Drizzle Cinnamon Glaze

While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, cinnamon, melted and cooled butter, and milk until smooth and creamy. Place a piece of parchment under your cooling rack to catch any drips and spoon the cinnamon glaze generously on top of each cookie, allowing it to spread and create a shiny finish. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before indulging.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe

The image shows a group of round cookies, each with two main layers. The bottom layer is a soft golden brown cookie base with a crumbly texture. On top, there is a smooth light tan frosting layer, covering each cookie evenly. One cookie near the center is broken in half, revealing a rich dark brown filling inside that looks soft and thick. The cookies are placed on a white marbled surface scattered with small crumbs, adding to the fresh-baked feel. The overall look is warm and inviting, with the cookies arranged closely together in a casual way. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, consider sprinkling a tiny pinch of coarse sugar or a dusting of cinnamon on top of the glaze while it’s still wet. You can also add toasted chopped pecans or slivered almonds to bring an inviting crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft cookie texture.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a cup of warm chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to complement the cinnamon’s natural spices. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can turn this treat into an indulgent dessert for a chilly evening.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing these to a party or gift-giving, arrange the cookies stacked in a rustic wooden box with parchment paper or place them in a glass jar tied with a cinnamon stick as a bow. These little presentation details highlight the cozy, homemade feel that makes this Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe so special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled and glazed, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They stay wonderfully soft thanks to the brown sugar and butter while maintaining that gooey filling that makes them unforgettable.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. As for baked cookies, freeze them in a single layer inside airtight containers with parchment layers between to prevent sticking; thaw at room temperature before glazing for best results.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven feel, pop leftover cookies into a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before serving. This warms the filling slightly and softens the glaze perfect for sinking your teeth into. Avoid microwaving as it can make the glaze overly soft and the cookie greasy.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, but cake flour is recommended because it has less protein, resulting in lighter, softer cookies. If you only have all-purpose flour, substitute by removing 2 tablespoons per cup and replacing with cornstarch to mimic the texture of cake flour.

Is it okay to use salted butter for this recipe?

Unsalted butter is preferred to control the salt levels in the cookie precisely. If you use salted butter, reduce or omit any added salt to avoid overly salty cookies.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

With some substitutions like vegan butter and egg replacers, you can experiment, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly since butter and eggs contribute a lot to the cookie’s richness and structure.

How thick should I roll the dough or shape the cookie balls?

Rather than rolling flat, this recipe uses dough balls with filling inside. Using a 1/4 cup scoop helps ensure consistent size and thickness for even baking.

What does the cornstarch do in the cookie dough?

Cornstarch softens the texture by reducing gluten formation and adds a slight tenderness that gives these cookies their signature soft chew, similar to classic pop tarts.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe enough if you want to surprise yourself with something sweet, cozy, and homemade that hits all the comfort-food notes. The gooey cinnamon filling tucked inside soft, tender cookies with their shimmering glaze on top is a match made in dessert heaven. Get your mixing bowls ready and bake a batch — these cookies are meant to be savored one warm bite at a time!